Economical Interior Design

In a world where saving energy is big business, more and more people are going out of their way to play their part. Just because you’re environmentally savvy, that doesn’t mean the look and feel of your home should suffer, so here’s how you can ensure your home looks good whilst ensuring it’s eco-friendly at the same time.

The Power of LED

These glowing beauties have revolutionised the lighting world, and not just commercially as they’ve made waves in the residential lighting sector too. Their lifespan is greater than any equivalent, meaning you’ll spend less time changing light bulbs over the course of a year as a halogen light bulb can last up to 6,000 hours, whereas an LED light bulb can last up to an incredible 80,000. In a world where 25% of all energy generated in the world goes into lighting, it’s a no brainer. Exchange your regular light bulbs for LEDs and you can save up to 40% on your energy costs.

Biodegradable Furniture

These days, using biodegradable packaging, cups and bags is the done thing if you’re a big company, and as consumers we’ve come to expect this as standard. The term biodegradable refers to those materials that can be broken down naturally into organic components over time. When decking out the home, think how you can help the environment by choosing products that take less c02 to create, and those that won’t negatively impact the environment by sitting in a landfill site when they’re out of style. Biodegradable rugs are hot right now. Made from durable plant fibres harvested from countries like Brazil and Mexico, sisal is a popular option for those looking for longevity. Or if you’re looking for something truly unique, try seagrass furnishing.

Recycle

Recycling materials is not only a good way to be thrifty, but it can really help your décor to stand out as original and completely unique. There are companies out there who make a healthy living by re-touching, or breaking down and rebuilding furniture for the home, so if you’re not a dab hand with a paintbrush, it’s not the end of the world. One simple idea is to recycle an old pallet into a table- just add four feet and paint away. Or those of you with a flare for design, try stitching old materials together to create blankets, cushion covers, or for the truly brave, curtains.

It’s all in the Paint.

One of the easiest ways to save energy in the home without ever lifting a finger is by ensuring the colour of your walls is in-check. Lighter colours like your magnolias and your creams will reflect heat emitted from other objects in the room, whereas warmer shades such as reds and oranges will absorb that heat, helping your home to stay toasty in the winter. Lighter shades of these colours will also reflect light, therefore extra light is being produced with no additional energy required.